World First Extra-Large Format Press For POP

London-based POP specialists The Delta Group took delivery of the world's first MAN Roland five colour format 8 905 XXL at the weekend.

London-based POP specialists The Delta Group took delivery of the world's first MAN Roland five colour format 8 905 XXL at the weekend.

The extra-large format press arrived from Roland's Offenbach factory in Germany on Saturday morning, transported on a convoy of 10 articulated lorries.

Delta's clients will be the first to benefit in the large format print sector, as there will not be another press like it available in the UK until at least 2005 according to the company.

The XXL is currently the only modern sheet-fed offset press with UV drying capability available at this size, allowing Delta to uniquely print onto out of the ordinary substrates such as plastics and canvas, at a sheet size of up to 1850mm x 1300mm.

Speaking as the press arrived, Murray Lock, marketing director at MAN Roland GB said: "We firmly believe that this machine is technologically superior to any other in its class, and it will be interesting to compare its performance against other similar products when they arrive here next year." Commenting on Delta's reasons for choosing to invest in the MAN Roland press, the Delta's managing director Mike Phillips said: "Unlike other large format presses out there, we consider the XXL to be a proven machine.

A team of Delta engineers have spent the past 18 months working closely with Roland in Offenbach on R and D issues to develop the machines capabilities, in particular concerning the complex issue of feeding different thickness substrates through the press." And he added: "As a result of the extensive testing that has been carried out on the XXL, we have the confidence that our customers will not be affected by any 'early-adoption' teething problems, which can often be associated with new technology presses such as this." Delta said it has already received considerable interest in the machine, including enquiries to utilise its ability to print six sheets, litho and using UV inks.

The press is due to be operational within the next few weeks.

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